WALKING ALONG KATARA BEACH IN DOHA

This should be one of the tourist attractions in Doha but definitely not in this kind of temperature though - a bit cold to hang around the beach. That should be a good sign for people running away from their busy lifestyle. We were there at about 4:00 p.m. and dusk was already approaching. Remember in winter, daylight is shorter than night. However, the scene was absolutely beautiful and I would not mind sitting there looking at the sea for hours (if the weather is good, that is).


The do's and dont's - mostly dont's. Good news, there will be SPOT THE ERROR section for you, taken from this sign board later.











The whole place looked quite new to me. Nevertheless, the scene would definitely be merrier in summer, no doubt. I will come back to Doha during another season next time then.

A FISHING VILLAGE IN AL KHOR

This was the fishing village near Al Khor. It did not look like a village though. Al Khor is known to be one of the places well-known for its fishing activities (according to my reading from the Net). The people working there, like the fishermen and the fishmongers sounded and looked Indians to me so I guess the Arabs are now only the top management people. There were no locals that could be seen nearby.

These things are called "gir gur", or is it "gur gir" - I am not sure of it anymore. They work as fish traps once submerged in the sea, I guess that is how the things work by their physical feature,

There is also a fish market which supplies fresh catch from the sea. Other than fish, I could see crabs and big-sized prawns on sale that day.

A resting place with the palms of date tress put as the roofs could be very economical. I have never thought that it could be reused in that kind of manner. If only the same method could be done here in our country, then we will be able to save a lot.

A COMPANY HOUSE FOR AN ENGINEER WORKING WITH A QATARI OIL COMPANY

Other than featuring the places I managed to visit, my blog is also some sort of one of those decor magazines that has pictures of beautiful houses people have. So let's look how is it like to live a life in a squarish but luxurious house (according to my standard) in Al Khor, Qatar.

the neighbourhood

the front view
[picture published the 2nd time :)]

the main hall

the dining area

the kitchen

entrance

the master bedroom

two rooms converted into a study and a praying room
(there are four rooms altogether and a separated room for the maid at the back outside the house)

two of the four bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs and the laundry room

view from the rooftop

With this kind of accommodation provided, I do not mind moving to Qatar. The question is: will the company employ any English teacher? I have to start writing my resume now.

By the way, if you are wondering where Al Khor is located in Qatar, here is the map for you to refer:

HOME SWEET HOME - AFTER 4 DAYS IN DOHA AND DUBAI

4:00 a.m. [Dubai time] - Leaving Dubai from Dubai Airport, slept on the plane most of the time.
3:00 p.m. [Malaysian time] - arriving in KLIA.
7:00 p.m. - Bus leaving TBS, slept again throughout the journey
11:30 p.m. - Safely arrived home.

3:45 a.m. - Now cannot sleep *help*

After being away in countries of different time zones, by now, my biological clock is in confusion. I have two days to rest and be ready to get back to work. Hopefully by Sunday I will be rejuvenated and will be able to get back to the real life. And I will try my very best to write and post pictures of the travel in the blog, for those who might be interested - real soon.

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow"
~ Lim Yutang ~

BLOGGING FROM DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Burj Al Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, in the background

I am already in Dubai, continuing the so-called Middle East expedition although it was just a very short trip. Nevertheless, so far, I have seen quite a lot and hopefully will be able to share my experience with you very soon. See you later, alligator!

BLOGGING FROM DOHA, QATAR

"The travelling bug has hit you again," wrote my friend, Christina Chan, in her comment on my FB wall. Yes, I am already here in Doha, Qatar, for a very short trip in conjunction with the Chinese New Year break. Thanks abound to my ex-schoolmate, Mr. Mohd. Razib Nordin, for inviting me to come over and play host for four days.

in front of the house of a Qatari oil and gas company employer

He is staying in Al Khor, an hour drive away from the city centre. I am lucky in a way as the weather is now cold, at times the temperature is below 10 degrees Celcius so I do not have to experience the extreme heat of the desert.

the host coming home from the night shift work

Doha at night
[viewed from the mosque I did not know the name]

I have a few more hours to explore Doha before heading to Dubai. Be ready to read more of my middle east trip soon. Happy holidays everybody.

SPOT THE ERROR 19

You must try the food of new different TAST. You should try the MASROOM chicken rice. And do not forget the DRUMSTICK CHICKEN.

SPOTTED AT THE FOOD COURT AT TBS, BANDAR TASIK SELATAN

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE (WATER) DRAGON

After 13 days of schooling days, another school break suddenly is here again. It is the Chinese New Year and only this time people have become more specific - it is the year of the water dragon. All this while it has been only dragon, in general. Maybe there are sky dragon and land dragon too.

With 10 days of school holidays, I guess everyone will be having a good time or at least enough time to rest. To all my friends, colleagues, students and ex-students, "gong xi fa cai" and may Uncle Dragon bring prosperity to all of us. And thanks a lot to all the kind people who have been showering me with oranges and many other CNY goodies. I sure smell of oranges these few days.

SPOT THE ERROR 17

The intention is good but the spelling is not.
Can you see what I see?

Thanks to Puan Nora Aida Sulaiman for letting me share this in my blog.